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Only 1% of stolen tools are ever recovered, according to the latest Metropolitan Police data

Tegan Foley  |  Oct 31, 2021

In 2020, tools with a total value of £17.5 million were stolen in London alone

Metropolitan Police data has revealed that only 1% of stolen powered hand tools are ever recovered, costing tradesmen in London more than £38 million in the last two years, and £17.5 million in 2020 alone.

New data shows there were 28,338 tool thefts reported across London from 2019 up to May 2021 this year.

Barnet, Enfield, Ealing, Waltham Forest and Haringey are the five boroughs where figures were highest, with thefts in Barnet (1,917) accounting for nearly 15% of the total. 

By contrast, Merton (475), Richmond upon Thames (439), Hammersmith and Fulham (371), Kensington and Chelsea (371) and Kingston upon Thames (327) suffered the fewest reports.

The findings, collated by London plant hire specialists Herts Tools, come from a freedom of information request to the Metropolitan Police. The data reveals the impact of tool theft on livelihoods, the cost of the crime and the most affected areas in London. 

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Stefano Lobban, Director at Herts Tools, said: “It’s been a tough couple of years for tradesmen and people working in construction, with Covid-19 really restricting their ability to work. The last thing they need is their tools being stolen, but this new data shows us just how common that reality is, particularly in London.

“Unfortunately, thieves are often attracted to high-price items like powered hand tools. Of course, when these items are stolen, it’s even harder for tradesmen to replace them due to the high cost. We just hope people take these new figures as a warning and make sure they’re vigilant.”

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How to prevent tool theft

  • Don’t store tools in your van overnight
  • If you have to leave tools in your van, park in a busy area covered by CCTV
  • Get an alarm, a lockable interior cabinet or interior deadbolts for your van
  • Make your tools less attractive to thieves by removing brand name plates and marking them with neon spray paint
  • Use stickers to tell thieves about security measures and act as a deterrent

You can read the complete study from Herts Tools by clicking here. 

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